KwaThema – Hundreds of matriculants in Kwatsaduza were motivated to focus on their studies in the last semester of their final year of schooling.
They were attending the second annual Grade 12 motivational seminar held at KwaThema Community Hall on Saturday.
Motivational speakers from the area, who had ‘made it’ despite all odds, shared their experiences with the learners.
The initiative is held to help change the mind-set and notion that township schools do not produce excellent learners.
Event organiser, Thokozane Dladla, says they are aiming to motivate the learners to study harder because they will be sitting for their preliminary exams in a months’ time.
“We want to inspire them that it can be done – regardless of their background or the school they attend.
“One doesn’t have to go to a model C to be one of the top performing students,” he says.
ANC chief-whip in council, Cllr Jongizizwe Dlabathi, says we cannot succeed in anything if we don’t have discipline and respect.
“You have to start by having discipline. Listen and have respect for yourself. Believe me, it won’t be difficult to respect your teachers and other motivational coaches.
“The decision you make today will either have a negative or positive impact on your future,” he says.
Dlabathi says the greatest fear should be living without a purpose.
“There are no short-cuts in life, so set goals and work hard to achieve them.
“Identify a role model whose claim to success is sustainable.
“You should never allow your background to determine your future,” he says.
Dlabathi says he is motivating learners to take technical courses after passing matric.
“You should not be scared to take technical courses and become an artisan such as an electrician or plumber because you will be able to start your own business and contribute to the economy of this country, unlike many with administrative courses,” he says.
At the end of the seminar a boy and girl received prizes.
The male student was awarded transport money, a suit and hair cut, while the female student won a dress, make-up, a manicure and transport fees.
Both learners will use their prizes for their matric dance.